Kazakhstan’s First President Tests Positive for Coronavirus

Kazakhstan’s former president Nursultan Nazarbayev has tested positive for COVID-19, his press service announced today. 

Nazarbayev remains in self-isolation and will continue to carry out his duties remotely, the statement from the press service said, adding that “there is no reason to panic”.

Nazarbayev, 79, served as Kazakhstan's president for close to three decades before resigning last year, though he still retains considerable influence as chair of the country’s Security Council and leader of the ruling party Nur Otan.

Kazakh officials have been warning of a potential second lockdown as cases multiply following the easing of restrictions last month.

As of June 18, Kazakhstan has reported 15,877 cases of COVID-19, with 97 deaths and near to 10,000 recoveries.